In Brief: Internet Bank Will Add Leasing to Its Site

NetBank Inc., which operates solely on the Internet, said it is teaming up with Republic Leasing Co. to offer equivalent lease financing, free leasing advice, and comparison quotes to business owners.

"We have found that many of our current and potential customers are independent business owners or managers," said D.R. Grimes, NetBank's chief executive officer. "NetBank wanted to help address an area that could be beneficial to those individuals by providing them access to a respected equipment leasing firm. Joining forces with Republic Leasing allows us to offer this service in the most cost-effective way," he said.

"This joint effort will provide NetBank's customers with the benefits business owners have come to expect from lease financing, including same- day service, no down payments, and approvals with little or no financial information."